Eliminate electric ants from your yard - for free

Biosecurity Queensland

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Although much smaller than green ants, electric ants pose a threat to Australian ecosystems.

Your help is needed in the fight to eliminate one of the world’s most invasive pests from Far North Queensland - electric ants.

Householders can now book a free home check as part of the National Electric Ant Eradication Program.

NEAEP principal project officer Robert Ibell urged people to look for electric ants and report them to Biosecurity Queensland.

“Early detection and reporting are key for eradicating electric ants, which have been found in

many areas of Far North Queensland, including the Daintree,” Mr Ibell said.

“Electric ants are one of the world’s worst invasive pests. They can inflict a long-lasting venomous sting, which causes moderate to severe pain and, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions. 

“They can also make our pets blind.”

Mr Ibell said, if left untreated, electric ants will kill and displace native wildlife and animals, disrupt ecosystems and harm the environment.

“Our eradication program has made significant progress, but we need community support to

continue surveillance, treatment and containment measures.”

More than 40 per cent of electric ant infestations are found during free yard checks.

Areas with electric ants receive targeted bait treatments that is harmless to animals and humans.

“We do ask people to lock up their chickens and other pets for the first 48 hours – not

because the treatment could harm them, but because we need the electric ant workers to

take the bait back to the queens,” Mr Ibell said.

“If chickens or pets pick up the bait, it will not make it.”

Book a free yard check though Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or daf.qld.gov.au/anthun

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